The legal industry has always been one of the fiercely competitive fields. The race begins right at the law schools, at the table of the admission officers. The high expectations have not discouraged students at all. Instead, every year, an increasing number of students are signing up for what is considered one of the toughest programs in the country. Compared to one year ago, current-year law school applications have only seen an increase of 0.7%, even amidst the LSAT disruptions.
Interestingly, rather than figuring out the odds of getting into a law school, students are more focused on meeting the standards set by the college admission council. So if you are currently pursuing admission into a top law school in the country, these five factors could be what decides your future.
LSAT Score
Every law aspirant is well aware of how crucial the LSAT score is. It is one of the first filters that set you apart from the rest of the applicants. This score reflects your reasoning and analysis skills and comprehension, all of which have a significant influence on your legal career.
As LSAT is unlike any other standardized school or college tests, a dedicated preparation is imperative to crack the exam. Online LSAT prep courses can offer you guidelines and expert recommendations on how you land top scores to impress the admission council.
Undergraduate GPA
Your undergraduate transcript will necessarily measure your college education, and the admission panel often relies on the GPA to sort out winning candidates. A higher GPA translates to your commitment to academics and how you can handle the pressure of law school.
Many law schools use a formula to combine the LSAT score and UGPA to create an Admission Index to compare applicants. However, some schools might also consider your undergraduate trend along with your GPA, meaning if you have had a slow start in college, you might be able to make that up with exceptional progress in the later semesters.
Personal Statement
When an outstanding LSAT score and UGPA accompany every student application, admission officers often turn to personal statements to make their choices. Consequently, it is crucial that you create a statement that will reflect your goals, as well as professional aspirations.
You also have to offer an insight into your persona, so that the admission council can connect with you on what makes you a unique and compelling candidate.
Letter of Recommendation
Having a stellar recommendation will never fail to improve your application. They offer insight into how a third-party evaluates your personality and professional commitment. It would be best if you produced letters of recommendation from college professors and from a trusted target who can add value to your application.
Extra-Curriculars
This is a broad segment that could cover any other aspect that could contribute to your application. The admission council will undoubtedly look at these aspects that shape your individuality. If you have done internships in notable firms, were a member of any student organization, or have volunteering experience, it could all add more points. Furthermore, any leadership experience will also add more impact, with any testimonials from other members. Keep in mind that it is not always about the number of activities, but rather the activities’ substance.
Laws schools like at your application data as a whole. It might be possible to offset a mediocre score with an upward trend in studies or a strong LSAT score. On the other hand, a consistent academic performance could also offset an average LSAT score. While the scores are significant, do not lose sight of other aspects that give your application a winning trait.